Dr. Gott: Teenager may need to quit contact sport

Our son told us he has to be on a very strict diet, and they have to get a weight check before each game. Our grandson was never overweight.

He has been throwing up very frequently. Our son took him to his doctor, and they took some tests, but our son hasn't told us the results.

Dear Reader: If your grandson is truly overweight, dieting would be appropriate. Under the circumstances, however, I wonder whether he may be simply stressed out playing a contact sport. Perhaps his father might choose to have him sign up for a different sport in the autumn, such as soccer or track. Better yet, he should ask his son which sport he would enjoy playing rather than insist he play football. Your grandson is old enough to know what he likes and does not like. Forcing him to play a contact sport isn't reasonable.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am writing because I read in your column that urine should be almost colorless.

I have noticed for the past several months my urine is bright yellow and smelly. In fact, my whole lower front area is smelly. I don't have any pain, but I have noticed this odor and the colorful urine.

I've been too embarrassed about this complaint and hesitate to ask a local doctor. I am 85 and fairly healthy, I thought.

Dear Reader: The yellow color of urine is caused by a product of metabolism called urochrome. If the kidneys produce dilute urine, it may be faintly yellow; if the urine is concentrated, the yellow color darkens.

In your case, I am concerned about the urine's odor. This could reflect a chronic urinary-tract infection for which you should be tested using a urine culture. An infection also may lead to urinary frequency. I recommend seeing a urologist, who can test and treat you if necessary.

The color and odor also could be the consequence of dehydration. Try increasing your fluid intake during the day (stopping at dinnertime to prevent nighttime urination) while you await an appointment with a urologist. If the color lightens and the odor disappears, you may well have your answer.

Review this situation with your family physician or urologist.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report, "Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections."

Dear Dr. Gott: Could you address my daughter's wish for guests' shoes to be removed at the door? Visualizing the places our shoes have walked makes me wonder.

Dear Reader: That's just the point: "Stuff" on the shoes should be left outside. Removing the shoes before entering a home is a standard Asian practice that is appealing and sound. I don't know why it isn't traditional in the United States.